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Robert Phelps Obituary
Robert S. "Bob" Phelps, 83, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Riverside, CT, took his final voyage on December 25, 2022. His lifelong love of sailing began when he was a boy sailing C-Scows on Iowa lakes, eventually adding 12 Bermuda Races to his sailing resume, as well as decades sailing on Long Island Sound. He owned several boats over the years, including Sock It To Me, Wiki Wiki, Bon Bateau, Incahoots, and lastly an R/C model boat Orca. He was was a current member of Riverside Yacht Club, Riverside, CT, and a former member of the New York Yacht Club and Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota, FL. In retirement in Sarasota, he raced trimarans on Sarasota Bay, and was a member of the Sarasota Model Yacht Club and the First Congregational UCC.
Bob was born in 1939 in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Virginia S. and Paul B. Phelps. He graduated in 1956 from Sprit Lake, IA High School and attended the University of Iowa, from which he graduated in 1961. He married his college sweetheart, Sandra Boeke Phelps, the same year, and enjoyed 61 years of love and laughter.
Bob was blessed with a keen sense of humor and liked nothing better than a good joke or story. During his university years his work as a DJ made the most of his gift of gab and wide-ranging love of music. Bob's volunteer work at the Ringling Museum as a tram driver made great use of both, and his many friends looked forward to his memorable annual Christmas CDs.
His 23-year career in publishing began in Des Moines, Iowa, with the Meredith Corporation and lead to executive positions in sales and advertising in Los Angeles and New York City, initially with Better Homes & Gardens, followed by Metropolitan Home (formerly Apartment Life) and Bon Appetit, of which he was publisher from 1983 to 1990. From 1991 to 2006 he owned an Alphagraphics franchise in Westport, CT.
In addition to his wife, Sandy, of 61 years, Bob is survived by his son Robert S. Phelps, Jr. (Jeanette); brothers Jim (Jude), Jerry (Linda), Bill (Sally) and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to pass along a joke to a friend, or contribute to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life in CT will be held in the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Phelps
Frank Porpotage
January 12, 2024
Here´s Bob in his element sailing a trimaran off Sarasota in the Gulf of Mexico!
Dave Putnam
February 24, 2023
Sandi,
Ann and I just learned of Bob's passing.
We're deeply saddened and wish to express our sincere condolences to you.
Bob was a good friend, sailing buddy, and companion.
We had good times, lots of conversation and of course, a beer or two.
Dave Putnam
Frank Porpotage
February 24, 2023
Donna and I were saddened to just learn of Bob´s passing. We enjoyed our many outings together. Bob´s sense of humor, his quick wit, and his sailing knowledge were cherished by us both. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Donna & Frank Porpotage, Ashburn, VA
Joe & Dolores Conroy
February 1, 2023
Dear Sandy and Family
We were so sorry to hear of Bob´s passing. We fondly remember your friendly hospitality that made us feel so welcome when we first came to the neighborhood some 18 years ago. We especially enjoyed his company in our many outings together. May he rest in peace and may the memories of your time together and your many friends be a comfort in the days ahead.
God bless you,
Dolores & Joe Conroy
Nora Clifford
January 19, 2023
Sandy, Jim and I were saddened by Bob´s death. Our deepest sympathies. Nora & Jim Clifford
peter & susi orbanowski
January 19, 2023
Our thoughts are with the Phelps family. We will always cherish sailing with Bob and Sandy and the many Ensign parties.
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Memorial Events
for Robert Phelps
Funeral services provided by:
National Cremation and Burial Society - Sarasota2990 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239
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